I posted this reflection in January of 2020, after having started it in 2016. Ten years later, unfortunately, everything I discussed is still present and taking place again–only now, the distance is more extreme between rich and poor, we are meaner to each other and dismiss those with different beliefs as unsuitable for compassion or empathy, and find ourselves spiraling deeper into the darkness. I hope and pray that in 2026 it will be possible for us to find a way to lean into Corita Kent’s realization that “To be fully alive is to work for the Common Good.” May we find our way into the light this year, both in our actions and our words. ~Natalie